Abstract

DIAZ OQUENDO, Digna; BARRERA GARCIA, Ana Cecilia  and  PACHECO INFANTE, Andrea. Incidencia de las caídas en el adulto mayor institucionalizado. Rev Cubana Enfermer [online]. 1999, vol.15, n.1, pp.34-38. ISSN 0864-0319.

A retrospective study on the incidence of falls ocurred among the elderly during 1996 at the "Noel Fernández" Home for the Aged, in the municipality of Vertientes, was conducted aimed at contributing to the reduction of the morbimortality caused by accidents at the geriatric homes. A group of previously trained nurses cooperated with this investigation. The necessary information was obtained by using the medical histories and the statistical records on the control of accidents. Some of the main results were: age 70-90, predominance of the male sex, and old people with physical and psychical limitations, among which the visual disorders were the most frequent. Complications as traumatisms, wounds and fractures were observed in some cases as a result of falls, and their fundamental causes were accidental and medical. The prophylactic work carried out by the nursing personnel together with the rest of the workers of the unit is directed to eliminate and control potential dangers and risk factors.

Keywords : ACCIDENTAL FALL [prevention & control]; HOMES FOR THE AGED; GERIATRIC NURSING.

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